TEXAS HOLDEM ONLINE POKER

Texas HoldEm poker is big.

It's so big the company that owns controlling interest in the World Poker Tour on television is now marketing a casino floor version that pits players against the house dealer — just like blackjack.

Lakes Entertainment Inc., officials said they have begun working with the Missouri Gaming Commission and other jurisdictions to get the game licensed and on casino floors this year.

Commission games guru Clarence Greeno said approval could take several months while the game's mathematics, odds and other programming are lab tested to ensure players get a fair game.

Meanwhile, Greeno said several Missouri casinos appear to be leaning toward opening or reopening live poker rooms.

Only Ameristar's card rooms in Kansas City and St. Louis survived the carnage of recent years that saw high-profit slots supplant low-profit poker's floor space at other Missouri casinos.

At least one electronic version of HoldEm is already out there. Rick Sorensen, spokesman for Nevada-based slot giant International Game Technology said the company's “HoldEm Challenge” poker device was introduced this spring and already is in play in several jurisdictions, including eight machines at Ameristar St. Charles.

Meanwhile, Greeno said he's fielding inquiries from the public about how to legally play HoldEm.

“Every day we get inquiries from some group wanting to sponsor poker tournaments as a fund-raiser.”

(Greeno's short answer: You can't, unless there is absolutely no wagering nor any required entry fee, charitable donation or other out-of-pocket expense for players.)

Card Player magazine publisher Barry Shulman said the sudden and television-driven popularity of Texas HoldEm hasn't surprised him.

“It's a very democratic game,” said Shulman.

“A novice player can play against the best players in the world and have a shot at winning on any given day. It's an easy game to learn but difficult to master.”